Nick Vespi: Here to Stay in the Baltimore Orioles Bullpen?

There’s an old saying that the only constancy in life is change. However, it seems that constancy is starting to pay off in the Baltimore Orioles bullpen this season, and the newest addition Nick Vespi seems to be settling down in his role as a combination set-up reliever and closer.

Since his second recall from AAA Norfolk on June 3rd, Vespi has been a solid performer and still holds a 2-0 overall record.  What is even more impressive in his debut season is his paltry .79 ERA with only one earned run given up in 11 innings of work so far.

Vespi has issued four walks to ten strikeouts but with his lefty sliders gets batters to make limited bat contact and gets the outs that the Baltimore Orioles need in the late innings.

Nick Vespi will continue to develop as a solid relief pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles as the season progresses.

Vespi was able to earn his first vaunted save last week, albeit in a rain-shortened game versus the Nationals.  In the top of the sixth inning, Vespi was called for by Brandon Hyde and with a solid, comfortable three-run cushion, Vespi worked the side and threw 12 pitches to end the inning.

The Baltimore Orioles were able to put in four more insurance runs and then in a nod from Mother Nature, the skies opened up and the game was called after the close of the sixth frame.

Nick Vespi is quickly learning his role and how he can contribute to the Orioles’ bullpen success for the remainder of this season and help keep the O’s competitive going down the stretch. Being called up in May and returning to the minors may have helped Vespi further develop his desire to stay in the Show and so far that desire is paying dividends for the O’s.

It remains to be seen, however, if Vespi can hold down his place in the Baltimore Orioles bullpen but he seems to be solidifying his role as a southpaw reliever in the big leagues and if recent outings are any indication, Nick Vespi is here to stay in Baltimore.